Most people have heard the term ‘Rain Gardens’ but don’t really understand what they are and what they do… Today we speak with a leading expert in water resource management, Civil Engineer Kurt Leuthold from Barr Engineering. Kurt and I have worked together on several projects in the past few years including the new offices for the Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District and the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (beginning construction this spring) among others. A few questions discussed include:
-What is a ‘Rain Garden’?
-Describe the Rain Garden system -both large scale and small scale.
-How do you determine the size, configuration, plantings, etc.?
-How would a person get started in making a rain garden?
-With all the available water in our area, why is a rain garden important?
-We also touch on pervious pavers, rain barrels and other options for water management.

Feel free to contact Kurt Leuthold PE via email at kal@barr.com

Please subscribe to these podcasts also via iTunes. Search for the title ‘Design & Other Fun Stuff’.

Please click on the links above and you can also find information at the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District site. Looking to build one? Hedberg Landscape and Masonry Supplies has the materials.

In this AudioPost we speak with Jay Wiederholt, President of Passive House Alliance Minnesota.  Jay and I met at a lecture discussing the philosophy and implementation of Passive House design.  I was excited to sit down and ask a few general questions explaining Passive House.  Some questions included:

-Summarize ‘What is Passive House?’

-How/where did this idea start?

-Explain a few specifics that are critical to the philosophy.

-What things do people need to be aware of if they are interested in this type of project?

-Is there special training or documentation needed to have an ‘official’ Passive House?

-Always the tough question of costs and paybacks.

-How is this different from LEED?

(sorry for the occasional electronic interference noise!)
Please subscribe to these podcasts also via iTunes. Search for the title ‘Design & Other Fun Stuff’.

For more information see Passive House Institute United States, Passive House Institute, National Advocacy Group and the International Advocacy Group.

Below are some links to other examples that I recently came across. I am sure we will be seeing more and soon.

One of the first –Saskatchewan Conservation House 1977, new in New York and the Delta Tower in Australia

In this Audiopost, we speak with General Contractor Jay Cates of Cates Fine Homes.  I have worked with Jay on several projects in the Twin City area and thought it would be a great idea to have him discuss the building process.  Some of the topics include:

-What is a General Contractor?
-What steps or questions should people take or ask when looking to hire a Contractor?
-When is the best time to get the contractor involved in a project?
-What are the costs associated with hiring a contractor as well as any other project costs?
-Briefly walk us through a construction project from beginning to end.
-Any differences between new construction and a remodeling?
-What if the Owner wants to complete some of the work themselves?

You can reach Jay with additional questions at
Phone: (651)-439-2844 or Email: jay@catesfinehomes.com

Please subscribe to these podcasts also via iTunes. Search for the title ‘Design & Other Fun Stuff’.

In this Audiopost, we speak with Insurance Agent Branden McDonald about what you need to know when starting a construction project.  Some of the topics include:

-What are the main things people need to be aware of when beginning a construction project?
-Who needs to carry insurance -the Owner or Contractor?
-How are the needs of coverage determined?
-Is there a difference between new construction or a remodeling?
-What specifically is covered in case of theft or damage to materials/tools, etc.
-Any tips to reduce premiums while maximizing coverage?

Please subscribe to our podcasts on iTunes
-search for the title ‘Design & Other Fun Stuff’.

You can reach Branden with additional questions at
Phone:  (715)-386-9494  
or Email: branden.mcdonald@amfam.com
Web: www.stevemcdonaldagency.com
FB: www.facebook.com/branden.mcdonald

In this Audiopost, we discuss Geo Thermal Heating and Cooling basics.  Mechanical Contractor Mike Anderson of  Anderson Heating answers our questions.  Some of those include:

– What is Geo Thermal Heating?
– Explain the different options of transferring energy with the ground.  Horizontal, vertical, etc.
– How is energy from the ground actually converted to be used in our buildings?
– What is the cost & payback of a typical system?

Please ‘click’ on the images below to enlarge.

You can reach Anderson Heating at Phone: (715)-549-6297
Web: www.andersonheating.biz

Please subscribe to our podcasts on iTunes
-search for the title ‘Design & Other Fun Stuff’.

Welcome to our first official Podcast!  We know design and architecture but recording/interviewing?…Learning! It will take a while for us to find our groove so please stick with us and let us know your thoughts.   These are also available on iTunes -search for the title ‘Design & Other Fun Stuff’.

In this Audiopost, we speak with Associated Bank’s Residential Loan Officer Jason Stoll about construction loans.  Some of the topics include:

-What are the main things people need to be aware of when beginning a construction project as it relates to obtaining a loan?
-What information should the Clients bring to that initial meeting?
-How are the loan amounts determined and evaluated?
-How does the construction payment process work?
-What fees are associated with getting a loan?

Here is a mortgage calculator to plug in some ‘what ifs’. It is on the sidebar within the link.

You can reach Jason with additional questions at
Phone:  (715)-377-4132

Email: jason.stoll@associatedbank.com

Have to start somewhere!  This is a quick audio post to get my feet wet in the podcast world.  Meaningful, insightful and witty commentary will follow in future episodes as we discuss Design and Architecture… or we will at least be able to enjoy the theme music.  Click on the player below to listen.  Thanks!